New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his priorities for the 2019 legislative session on Monday, outlining a 20-point agenda that includes comprehensive voting and campaign finance reform. Cuomo, who won election to a third term in November, presented his agenda in a 45-minute speech in Albany.
The proposed reforms include measures that aim to increase participation by New Yorkers in the democratic process, including early voting, same-day voter registration, and automatic voter registration (AVR). Additional measures include closing the LLC loophole, banning corporate campaign contributions, and an overhaul of New York’s campaign finance system.
“Today Governor Cuomo laid out plans for 2019 that would strengthen New York’s democracy,” said Lawrence Norden, deputy director of the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program. “With small-donor public financing for state races and robust voting reforms, the governor can make Albany responsive to the people.”
New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, both Democrats, have signaled their support for Cuomo’s speech.
“As he has done in the past, Governor Cuomo called today for comprehensive campaign finance reform and voting reform,” said Norden. “The new leadership in the legislature should champion these changes, not block them.”
(Image: Drew Angerer/Getty)